- orihuela’s new subsidy program for new and existing commercial businesses received 45 applications but approved only one.
- Common reasons for exclusion include missing documentation like ID copies, proof of payments, insurance, and rental contracts.
- The subsidy budget was €50,000, aimed at covering costs such as rent, advertising, and insurance for small businesses.
- The local PSOE party criticizes the municipal government for inadequate support, especially highlighting the absence of the annual ‘Bono Consumo’ (Consumption voucher), an vital aid program.
- PSOE points to delays in municipal budget execution and calls out local business organizations for their silence amid these challenges.
Orihuela Commercial Subsidy Program: Only One Business approved Among 45 Applying
In September 2025,the city of Orihuela announced results from a recent subsidy program designed to support the creation of new businesses and strengthen existing ones. despite receiving 45 applications, only one business has been approved to receive financial aid under this initiative. the remaining 44 applicants were excluded due to failure to comply with one or multiple administrative requirements.
Details About the Subsidy Program
The subsidy program was approved by Orihuela’s Local Government Board (Junta de Gobierno Local) in July 2025. It allocated a total fund of €50,000 to support commercial enterprises with fewer than 10 employees operating within Orihuela’s municipal boundaries.
The aid targeted financing for:
- Operating expenses linked to business operations between January 1, 2025, and the subsidy announcement date.
- Costs such as rent payments,corporate identity improvement,advisory services,advertising,utilities,and commercial property insurance.
Why Were Most Applications Rejected?
The city’s official decree listed up to 16 different grounds for exclusion, including:
- Missing copies of official identification (DNI or NIF).
- Incomplete or improperly signed annexes.
- Absence of a PDF photo of the business storefront.
- Improper numbering of invoices and payment receipts.
- Lack of certification proving no outstanding debts with Social Security and the Tax Agency.
- Missing insurance policy for the business locale or valid lease/property ownership documents.
Additionally,two applicants were disqualified simply as they submitted their paperwork after the deadline,which was a short 10 natural days from publication in the Provincial Official Bulletin.
Implications for Local Businesses
This extremely high rejection rate has stirred concern among local entrepreneurs, some of whom have well-established reputations in the community. The strict requirements, according to some analysts, may have been too bureaucratic, preventing many eligible businesses from acquiring essential financial support.
| Subsidy Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Budget | €50,000 allocated for subsidies |
| Eligible Businesses | Commercial businesses with fewer than 10 employees in Orihuela |
| Submission Period | 10 natural days from official announcement |
| Eligible expenses | Rent, advertising, advisory services, supplies, insurance |
| Applications Received | 45 |
| Applications Approved | 1 |
Political Backlash: PSOE Denounces Lack of Effective Support and Absence of Consumption Voucher
The day after the subsidy announcement, the socialist Party (PSOE) group in Orihuela voiced strong criticism of the local government’s alleged neglect of the commercial sector. Speaking at a press conference, councilwoman María García called the situation “institutional abandonment” by both the municipal government and Alicante provincial authorities, both controlled by the People’s party (PP).
Key points from PSOE’s statement:
- No practical measures are currently supporting local businesses effectively.
- The highly successful ‘Bono Consumo’ (Consumption Voucher) program has been completely eliminated for 2025 by the Alicante provincial government. This program previously helped invigorate sales and sustain employment in Orihuela’s trade and hospitality sectors.
- In 2024, the Bono Consumo investment reached over €1.35 million, with Alicante contributing almost €680,000.
- Despite the municipal budget approved 400,000 euros for the voucher program in February 2025, administrative inaction delayed proceedings until July, wasting five months.
- Local business organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Orihuela Merchants Association have remained silent on this issue, leaving businesses without defenders in their corner.
María García emphasized the urgent need for active measures to support the local commerce ecosystem and questioned the silence of conventional business advocates.
What Lies Ahead for Orihuela’s Commercial Sector?
The difficulties in subsidy access combined with the disappearance of the Bono Consumo program place Orihuela’s small businesses under greater strain. The city council and provincial government face growing pressure from political opposition and local entrepreneurs to improve support mechanisms that are accessible,timely,and practical.
Businesses within orihuela are particularly vulnerable after recent economic challenges, and many observers advocate for clearer interaction from authorities, simplified aid processes, and revitalized incentive programs that truly incentivize local commerce.